Certain plants will surely pique the interest of anyone who sees them for the first time. One example would be the Monstera Obliqua. Its beauty accounts for its eye-catching foliage and unique leaf shape.
Monstera Obliqua is a rare Araceae (Arum/Aroid) family member with gorgeous lace-like perforations in its foliage that make it stand out from the rest. Its long, pointed leaves have large holes that look like crafty caterpillars had nibbled on them. The perforations increase in size as each leaf matures, giving the Monstera Obliqua a unique look.
This distinct species is originally from the tropical regions of Central America and South America. It grows in a hemiepiphytic fashion, beginning its life in the canopy before stretching down roots to find stability on the ground. Cuttings from this plant can cost up to several hundred dollars each!
But don’t be fooled by its striking features. Growing the Monstera Obliqua is not as simple as it looks. Caring for this plant requires patience and, most importantly, a lot of research to provide the best care and help it thrive.
Caring and Growing Monstera Obliqua At Home
Caring for such a delicate and rare species requires that you provide the right conditions. Here are some tips for growing a Monstera Obliqua:
Light
For optimal growth, the Monstera Obliqua needs plenty of light. Seven hours daily in a space illuminated by bright but indirect beams is ideal for this unique plant to thrive and flourish. Guard the delicate leaves of obliqua against being damaged by too much direct sunlight, and provide as much shade as possible.
To ensure your Monstera Obliqua plant thrives, place it in a spot with ample indirect light. The bathroom is often the perfect setting for this type of foliage! You can tell that your plant is not getting its right dose of indirect sunlight if you find that its leaves are turning yellow or if you find leaves starting to wilt.
Water
There is no need to water your Monstera Obliqua everyday affair. At most two watering sessions each week during the hot seasons is enough. When the cold season hits, it needs watering every 2 weeks.
Beware that providing too much water to your obliqua could result in wilting stalks or stunted growth. You’ll want to make sure that its soil is moist, not wet. You can check for the water content of your soil by running your fingertip along the surface. If it feels dry to the touch, then a good dousing will help revive and nurture your plant!
Temperature and Humidity
In its natural habitat, Monstera Obliqua thrives in warm climates of at least 20° Celsius. You can replicate your plant’s preferred temperature with the help of these tips:
- Position your Monstera Obliqua near a location that receives ample indirect sunlight. The kitchen or bathroommay be the ideal area to do this!
- Invest in a humidifier.
Soil
For Monstera Obliqua to blossom and grow, you must invest in a top-notch potting mix. When buying from an independent nursery or collector, inquire about the specific soil blend used.
Monstera Obliqua flourishes in a potting soil combination of peat with perlite for aeration and organic fibers like coco coir to nourish the roots without compacting. This special blend provides essential nutrients and minerals, allowing your plant to thrive!
Gardeners appreciate coco coir for its capacity to retain moisture and nutrients and its excellent draining properties.Your soil’s pH should remain between 5-7. You can purchase a pH tester if you want to accurately confirm your readings!
Fertilizer
Compared to other members of the Monstera genus, the Obliqua requires less fertilizer due to its slow growth rate. During the weeks of growing, this plant requires fertilizer only every other week – that’s it!
During summer and spring, the obliqua requires lesser fertilizer. Fertilizing it once per month is enough. Avoid feeding your plant during the winter season. They don’t need an additional salt level to thrive during the cold season.
Potting
Plastic pots may seem like a good deal for houseplants, but in the case of Monstera Obliqua, clay terracotta pots are your best choice! Beware that the roots of this plant are so powerful they can easily puncture through plastic pots.
Investing in a big enough pot is also advisable to ensure your plant isn’t suffocated. Terracotta pots wick away moisture and can help prevent the roots from developing root rot.
Pruning
You don’t need to prune your Monstera obliqua regularly since it grows slowly. While the Monstera obliqua can reach a high 6 feet to 10 feet in its natural environment, it takes some time to mature fully.
Regular pruning is a must for maintaining the vitality of your plant. By carefully cutting away its dead leaves, you open up a room to let new ones grow and thrive.
To keep your plant within its designated living space, prune the back of its nodes while it’s actively growing. When removing dead leaves, snip them off from their stems for added efficiency.
Protecting Your Monstera Obliqua Houseplant
Like most houseplants, this is susceptible to pests like scale, spider mites, whitefly, and thrips. These little creatures devour the plant by sucking its vital nutrients through their straw-like proboscis, leaving behind withered leaves.
Ensure you regularly check your plant for any signs of disease or pest infestations. If your plant is already contaminated by one of these insects, isolate it as soon as possible. Use a concentrated yet gentle organic insecticide to banish the pests for good. With regular reapplication, organic sprays can guarantee the elimination of pests.
This plant can develop root rot if overwatered or when planted in a container with inadequate drainage. You can prevent this by avoiding careless irrigation practices and selecting the right pot. Water your plant when the top layer of soil has dried. Place it in an adequately draining pot so water won’t stagnate and damage its delicate roots.
Conclusion
Taking care of your Monster Obliqua houseplant might take effort, but it’s well worth the patience. With a proper soil blend, adequate drainage, well-regulated water levels, and the right temperature and humidity, your Monster Obliqua will flourish as it grows. With these tips, you’ll have a flourishing Monster Obliqua to show off quickly!
